NewsFaye Kirby interview: LFC Women extension, rehab latest and fantastic support
Faye Kirby has spoken of her huge gratitude to the Liverpool FC Women staff and players who have helped her stay strong as she recovers from a serious injury.
The goalkeeper had caught the eye with several excellent performances at senior level, but just after completing a loan move to Aberdeen at the start of 2023-24 she sustained an ACL injury.
The 20-year-old is working hard on her rehabilitation with the medical staff and has received a lot of plaudits for her positive outlook and determination.
After extending her time with the club, Kirby is hoping to get back on the grass in the near future, and Liverpoolfc.com caught up with her for the latest on her progress...
On continuing her spell with the club…
It’s a good feeling. Last season I obviously got injured and one of the first things that comes into your mind is, where will I be next year? Beardy [Matt Beard] and the staff spoke with me early on and that kind of put my mind at ease, so it was a case of work hard in rehab and then we go from there, so it’s nice to know I’ve got all the support I need to come back.
On how grateful she is to the staff and teammates for the support given to her during a tough time with injury…
The goalkeeping union is class, it’s one of a kind and we are in our own little bubble. They all know what it’s like, they have either been there themselves or experienced a different injury. Both Lawsy [Rachael Laws] and Teagan [Micah] are so experienced, both have different qualities and I learn from them, so that’s why I always watch them as much as I can and see what part of their game I can bring into mine. Even the fans as well, week in, week out they are always there for you. Day to day, all the girls here as well, I’ve got friends for life.
On having the loan at Aberdeen cut short due to an ACL injury…
I loved my time in Scotland up in Aberdeen, finally getting some minutes and I was feeling good. It did all come crashing down, straight away I knew the injury wasn’t good. I just thought, though, I’ll get this out of my system, cry as many times as I needed to and from day one just crack on with it. It is what it is, it happens and it’s just part of the game unfortunately so I’ve just kept going day by day.
On where she is up to in her rehab…
I’ve had bad days and good days, little niggles, but hopefully now I’m getting closer to being back on the grass. I’ve been doing more goalkeeper stuff so it’s not just gym now, which is nice and exciting and something to look forward to. Pottsy [goalkeeping coach Joe Potts] has been a big help, he knows his stuff and I do try to listen. I’m not really putting timelines on anything. I’ve got boxes to tick so I will tick them off one by one and when I’m back I’ll be ready to go.
On having such a positive outlook…
I try my best but it just doesn’t come from me. There have been bad days when I’ve actually needed somebody else to lift me up and get me through the day, get me through my exercises so I could actually feel I have accomplished something that day. The staff, the physios, they have helped me so much.
On having always wanted to be a goalkeeper…
I first started in goal when I was five years old. It was with my older brother and he just said, ‘You stand there and I will boot the balls at you!’ When you are little you just play to enjoy it and as I got older I wanted to be a goalkeeper.
On a bright future ahead for the club with the move to St Helens Stadium…
It’s exciting for the fans, it’s a red stadium, which the fans wanted. All we can do is hope to improve on last season. That’s what we set out to do last season and that’s what we want to do this season, we just want to carry that on.
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